About
Large evergreen tree, native to tropical areas, to 20m in height, heavily branched with a very dense, oval crown of leathery, glossy dark green leaves. Good for wildlife. perfumed, white flowers with 4-6 petals, in late spring or early summer, are followed by edible rounded brown or grey fruit with thick flesh, the flavour similar to an apricot.
About the genus
Mammea is a genus of plants encompassing species that may be herbaceous, shrubby, or woody. They are grown for their ornamental flowers, foliage, or fruit, and vary in hardiness and cultural requirements
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Fruit Edible
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Sub-tropical, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationSuited to tropical climates only where the fruit and timber are widely used. Prefers a deep, rich, well-drained neutral to acid sandy loam in sun or part shade
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, greenwood cuttings with bottom heat, or grafting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to a range of tropical insects such as borers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free